A Monday report released by the state said gasoline and diesel prices surged in California in January 2012 while consumption dropped.

According to a report released today by the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), gasoline prices jumped 10.6 percent to an average of $3.75 a gallon, while consumption declined 3.2 percent compared to a year ago.

“Higher gasoline prices are challenging for every Californian and leading to tough choices about fuel consumption,” said BOE First District Member Betty T. Yee, whose constituency includes Lake County.

In California, diesel fuel prices were up 15.2 percent to $4.10 as consumption decreased 5.4 percent in January from a year earlier, the report showed.

Diesel consumption, used largely by commercial transportation, often reflects the pace of economic activity such as imports and exports through California ports, supply and demand conditions in residential and nonresidential construction, and agriculture, according to the report.

Nationally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the average price of a gallon of gasoline was up 9.2 percent to $3.44 in January from a year ago. The EIA also reported that the national average price of a gallon of diesel was up 13.0 percent to $3.83 in January from a year earlier.

The high price of gasoline was a primary factor in the rise in consumer prices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in January 2012 that its consumer price index rose 2.9 percent in January 2012 from a year earlier.

Consistent with using less gasoline, the Federal Highway Administration data show a 1.2 percent decline in vehicle miles traveled by Californians in January 2012 from a year earlier.

California gasoline and diesel fuel figures are net consumption, including audit assessments, refunds, amended and late tax returns, and the State Controller’s Office refunds.

BOE, which is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors in California, updates the fuel reports at the end of each month.

Fuel statistics and reports are available at www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spftrpts.htm .